MURRELLS INLET - If you're planning on cooking the traditional holiday meal this Thanksgiving, but are also worried about paying for it, you are not alone.
In these tough economic times, shoppers everywhere are looking for the best deals.
"We are trying to stay on a certain budget," says Bonnie Felder as she cruises the aisle of Lowe's Foods in Murrells Inlet. "But I think that it's that time of year you kind of splurge and make sure you have everything for your family and friends that are coming to eat dinner."
Grocery stores are answering the call from their customers who want to spend less. Deals are everywhere - potatoes at $0.89, sweet potatoes as low as $0.29.
Free deals on side items like stuffing and discounts on even high-end fresh vegetables like asparagus help lower the cost of cooking up a feast,
For turkey buyers, it's the fresh versus frozen debate. At Lowe's Foods they are the same price - $0.99 cents a pound this year, with the offer of cash back on future purchases with the frozen birds.
The American Farm Bureau Federation says the average Thanksgiving dinner for ten people runs just under $43.00 - about four percent less than last year.
With the economy still struggling to recover, the holidays this year, for most, means a different style of shopping.
"It's not whatever you want this year." says shopper Lanelle Blackwell. "I am thinking differently about what I'm going to spend and how much and how many gifts for my children and I'm retired and my income stays the same, but I am thinking that way."
You can also opt to buy a complete meal already prepared from the grocery store - but you will need to get your order in early.
Another easy way to cut costs is to split the menu between family and friends. Let each person make one or two dishes and you automatically chop your bill and your workload.
You can also plan ahead for December's holiday meals, which often feature similar items on the menu.
On Black Friday, grocery stores are the place for deals, they mark down the thanksgiving food that didn't sell allowing consumers to stock up and start planning the Christmas dinner.
On the web:
Turkey preparation tips & toll-free hotline:
http://www.butterball.com
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